Man gets 6 years in robbery and shooting

WARREN -- A 19-year-old Commerce Avenue Northwest man has been sentenced to six years in prison for robbing and shooting a man in a Mill Street home April 11. Jeff Adler, assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, said Willie Dawson, 19, had entered the residence of James Carter while wearing a ski mask. But Carter recognized Dawson because the ski mask had a large circular hole in it that revealed Dawson's eyes and nose. Carter recognized Dawson because Dawson had been to Carter's house before, because Dawson has a tattoo under one eye, and because he knew Dawson's voice, Adler said. Dawson attempted to rob Carter, but Carter lunged at Dawson, and Dawson shot Carter five times, Adler said. Carter fled to the guard shack at nearby WCI Steel, where police were called. Dawson pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and felonious assault, both with specifications that he used a gun; tampering with evidence; and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Carter recovered from the injuries, Adler said.